Right of Redemption & The Redemption Period Explained

In real estate, what is the Right of Redemption (RoR)? What happens after the redemption period ends? How does this affect real estate auctions? As a real estate buyer, how does this apply to me?

When evaluating a real estate property, whether it is an investment, primary residence, or both, it is the property itself that draws you in. The combination of price, location, and structure must meet your needs.

But what if the property in question is within the Right of Redemption period? What if this redemption property is at online auction? You’ve done the hard work: you’ve found the next property you want to buy. We at Xome don’t want redemption status to discourage qualified buyers, so we put together a list of the questions we hear most frequently to help you build understanding and confidence when bidding.

1. What is the Right of Redemption?

The Right of Redemption is the right of any borrower or mortgagor to reclaim a property on which they have defaulted. To put it simply, it is the borrower’s opportunity to redeem the property from the foreclosing institution. To reclaim their property, the defaulting borrower is required pay the back taxes and liens against the property.

If the property has gone to auction or completely foreclosed, the property owner is generally responsible for all fees surrounding foreclosure and the entirety of the outstanding mortgage to retain ownership.

2. How do you buy a redemption property?

Redemption properties are frequently purchased in auctions through entities like Xome. The bidding process for a redemption property is identical to that of an REO or non-bank owned property, the experiences differ in the closing and transfer of title. For example, a foreclosure sale can occur and a new buyer may have a claim to the property, but the foreclosure deed will not be recorded until after the Right of Redemption period has expired. Until this point, the defaulting buyer has the right to make all parties whole and reclaim their property.

The Right of Redemption period is specific to the state in which the property is located. For example, Minnesota has an RoR period of 180 days after the date of the foreclosure sale. Each state’s redemption timelines, requirements, and exceptions are specific to the state in which the property is located so if you buy properties in multiple states it is best to brush up on the laws. Click here to see a breakdown of redemption periods by state.

3. What are the pros and cons of buying a redemption property?

Redemption properties are often deeply discounted but the price benefit comes at other potential costs. They are typically occupied, which means seeing the inside of the structure and completing inspections are usually off the table. Finally, after you’ve bid on and won the redemption property at auction the previous owner can still reclaim the home. It is this uncertainty that can contribute to big discounts that investors desire.

4. Can the new buyer close on the property before the redemption period ends?

You’ve found the right property and you’ve won the auction, but you don’t want the uncertainty or the wait of the redemption period, so what can you do? One option is to obtain a Waiver of Redemption from the foreclosed borrower.

This allows for the transaction to move forward and close prior to the end of the full redemption window (this requires engagement with the foreclosed borrower). Other sellers may be willing to work with buyers through parts of the purchase and closing process but not fully convey the property until the redemption period concludes.

Can redemption properties pose more risk and uncertainty than a traditional REO property? Possibly, but the potential for getting the right property at a price better than you imagined can make a little inconvenience all worthwhile.